Archive for January, 2012

France-based L’âme et L’esprit magazine is featuring Trout Point Lodge in its World Citizens series of articles on eco-friendly hotel properties. Author Jerome Berger notes that alongside Trout Point being “an ultra-comfortable, picture-book lodge” it also carries out numerous practices to eliminate or minimize negative environmental impacts.

Proprietors Vaughan Perret and Charles Leary plan many improvements to the dining experience for 2012. Final touches are being put on the Lodge’s second dining venue, Chez la Tousquet, which features views of La Riviere Tousquet, paneled walls, and a masterful hand-chiseled red sandstone fireplace. There’s also a rough-hewn bar carved from a giant Hemlock tree.

Chez la Tousquet first received diners in 2011, but this year will see padded tables with white linens, crystal stemware, fine china chargers, and silver flatware for an enhanced dining experience unparalleled in the province. This dining room seats up to just 10 persons, either as a private dining room or a more intimate venue for couples.

Following the 2011 season where the table d’hote menu started always offering a fresh, homemade pasta option for the main course, in 2012 the Lodge will offer a choice of 2 full fixed menus, one focused on local seafood.

Trout Point’s cuisine has garnered praise recently, with veteran writer Nigel Richardson giving the Lodge’s food & drink a score of 9/10 in The Telegraph, Departures magazine naming it among the world’s top 10 foodie getaways, and Sarah Barrell writing for The Independent:

Trout Point’s gastronomy looms large on the North American culinary scene. The owners – organic farmers, cookbook writers and restaurateurs – have won numerous accolades, representing three of only a handful of Americans who are members of the French Cheesemakers Guild. The trio have roots in New Orleans and came to Nova Scotia seeking their Acadian heritage – Louisiana’s Cajun culture descends from Atlantic Canada’s 17th century French colonists. Food is a mix of Creole, French and modern North American, with seasonal ingredients drawn from the lodge’s organic garden and surrounding forest.

Couples seeking a romantic, candle-lit dinner can also request seating in front of the fireplace in the main lodge’s Great Room. The longstanding favourite Dining Room remains the venue of choice for most guests as well as those reserving dinner only. Come experience what WHERE Canada recently featured: “a kitchen specializing in Atlantic Acadian cuisine: locally inspired meals that highlight sustainable seafood, foraged ingredients and produce from the extensive on-site garden.”

A boutique wilderness hotel in Nova Scotia that the Canadian Tourism Commission has called “wilderness chic” appears to have captured the attention of its neighbour across the Atlantic Ocean. It started in early 2009 when out of the blue The Guardian suggested for its readers a vacation in the Tobeatic Wilderness:

A vast tract of forest, rivers and lakes, Nova Scotia’s Tobeatic Wilderness Area has been called the “wild soul” of the Maritimes. It’s home to black bear, bobcat, moose, river otter and the odd US draft dodger, and when people paddle into it, they can vanish for days.

Then the glossy London Sunday Times travel magazine put Trout Point Lodge amongst its coverage of Canada’s 16 best independent hotels. The Guardian followed in October, 2010, with a travel feature that set the scene:

Built from eastern white spruce, the lodge is a log cabin on a grand scale. Thick trunks form the walls and hummingbirds buzz around the veranda; it feels instantly homely – only with posher linen and better food.

Now within the past few months the Independent chose Trout Point for its “Stay the Night” series, publishing in late October, 2011. Accomplished travel author Sarah Barrell termed the Lodge a “plush and pioneering Canadian retreat.” The beautiful surroundings satisfied a desire to experience pristine wilderness: “It could not be more seductively set, deep in old growth Atlantic forest on the confluence of two, boulder-strewn rivers that are coloured deep amber with peat,” writes Barrell. She also enjoyed the cuisine, noting “Trout Point’s gastronomy looms large on the North American culinary scene.”

In January, 2012, acclaimed writer Nigel Richardson–Deputy Travel Editor at the Telegraph for over a decade and author of 5 books–called the Trout Point “a wilderness lodge with a difference, memorably designed and serving food not to fill your hiking boots but to tickle your palate.” The critical hotel review for his old employer gave the Lodge an overall 8/10 score and honed in on the setting and the food for scores of 9/10. Richardson said of the cuisine: “An innovatory mix of Cajun, Creole and Acadian (French Nova Scotian) dishes using local seafood, plants, mushrooms and herbs from the garden, and homemade cheeses and breads.” He also noted that “light pollution is minimal, making the (organised) stargazing sensational.” Guided star gazing and sky safaris have been a new offering at Trout Point in 2011, which will continue this year.

“Just to be mentioned in the Telegraph‘s series of highly critical hotel reviews is an honour,” said Lodge chef/proprietor Vaughan Perret, adding, “we seem to be the only accommodation in Atlantic Canada the papers has recommended. We also thought that Sarah Barrell’s coverage was great. It’s rewarding with experienced outside reviewers really appreciate what we have to offer.”

Trout Point Lodge is also the only hotel in Atlantic Canada selected for the United Kingdom-based Conde Nast Johansens guide to luxury hotels and spas. Johansens independently inspects each property included in the guide every year.

In 2012, Relais & Châteaux continues to grow with 45 new properties that become fellow members to Trout Point Lodge, chosen after a thorough selection process involving inspections of more than 100 establishments.

The new members include 25 in Europe, 7 in Asia, 3 in Australasia and 10 in the Americas, making 2012 a record year for the Association.

Each property contains a breathtaking piece of history, unique charm, the finest service and elegance. Candidates have been selected not only for their culture and art de vivre, but also for their originality, and unparalleled authenticity.

Relais & Châteaux is undoubtedly today the most beautiful way of discovering the world.

A longing for the Deep Blue Sea

Anne de Bretagne (France): the bracing air of the Jade coast at a contemporary villa and lookout post over the seaBellevue Syrene 1820 (Italy): the Gulf of Naples on the horizon and the Italian jet set in SorrentoLa Peschiera (Italy): a former Bourbon fishery and now the an ultimate resort for lounging seaside on the Adriatic coastOcean House (USA): the New England seashore at the foot of this magnificent Victorian mansion in Rhode IslandWanakarn Beach Resort & Spa (Thailand): near Phuket, in one of the fifteen villas on the beachHuka Lodge(New Zealand): on the banks of the Waikato River just upstream from the mighty Huka falls, far away from it allSaffire (Australia): in the middle of Freycinet National Park in Tasmania, on the shores where migrating whales and dolphins come to playQualia, Great Barrier Reef (Australia): pavilions of wine maker and sailing enthusiast, Bob Oatley, on Hamilton Island overlooking the Coral Sea

A quest for fine cuisine
Fine cuisine is an obligatory component of the soul and the spirit of the Association, in both its stand-alone restaurants as well as all its hotels. The 2012 Guide includes 14 new Grand Chefs Relais & Châteaux, the elite of this international fellowship of talented chefs. They all, each in their own, individual way, contribute their contemporary signature to the realm fine cuisine.

Kashiwaya Restaurant (Japan): in the purest Japanese culinary tradition in Osaka.Le Moût Restaurant (Taiwan): dishes which inventively combine French expertise and the flavours of Asia.Del PostoRestaurant (USA): at the heart of New York City with classical Italian dishes revisited at in a contemporary palazzo of mahogany and marbleMarea Restaurant (USA): on Manhattan’s Central Park South, Italian dishes inspired by the seaDe Lindenhof (Nertherlands): a magical, almost fairy-tale break, reflected as much in the décor as in the dishesChalet de la ForêtRestaurant (Belgium): on the edge of forest on the outskirts of BrusselsRestaurant Guy Lassausaie (France): at the gateway to the Beaujolais regionRestaurant Andrew Fairlie (Great Britain): in Scotland in a theatricalsettingMaison Decoret (France): with inventiveness at the fore; in Vichy in a Napoleon III brick chaletRamon FreixaMadridRestaurant (Spain): superb Mediterranean cuisine, in the Spanish capitalVilla Crespi (Italy): a spectacular Moorish villaon Lake OrtaHotel Restaurant Spa Rosengarten (Austria): with influences from the Orient, in the heart of the Austrian AlpsRestaurant Europea (Canada): all-defying experimentation with the local terroir in MontrealCombal.Zerorestaurant (Italy): cuisine as an artistic expression at the Rivoli Museum of Modern Art, near Turin

A search for solace in nature: wide open spaces and tranquillityLa Bastide (France): in Gascony, at an 18th century charterhouse, with hundred-year-old plane trees in a mock Italian palazzoHôtel Au Cœur du Village (France): in the heart of Les Aravis ski resort in La ClusazCastillo de Arteaga (Spain): in Urdabai Natural Park in a castle built at the request of Napoleon IIIBallyfin Demesne (Ireland): the quintessential Irish Regency mansion set in a wonderful garden estateGreywalls Hotel and Chez Roux (Great Britain): in Scotland next to the Muirfield golf courseIsle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island (Great Britain): a 120 hectares island exemplifying the essence of the HighlandsHet Roode Koper (Netherlands): Veluwe forest in the Netherlands, at the former residence of the Governor-General of the Dutch East IndiesSchlosshotel Burg Schlitz (Germany): in the former hunting grounds of one of the finest estates in 19th century architectural styleHastings House Country House Hotel (Canada): Head for the gardens on Salt Spring Island, just across from VancouverTwin Farms (USA): amidstthe flowers and pristine wilderness of VermontThe Ranch at Rock Creek (USA): quintessentially the American Wild WestAwasi (Chile); set among the legendary Atacama desert of geysers, volcanoes and salt flatsJinmai Brilliant Resort & Spa (China): in the Yunnan province, set amidst the largest ancient tea garden in the worldBettei Senjuan (Japan): views of the cherry blossoms carpeting of Mount Tanigawa

A thirst for city life

Saint James Paris (France): a stone’s throw from the Champs Elysée, ‘the most beautiful avenue in the world’, in the capital’s unique château-hotel.Hotel Le Place d’Armes (Luxembourg): in the historic centre of the town, with an astute combination of different stylesBeau-Rivage Hotel (Switzerland): views of Lake Neuchâtel in every directionNeri Hotel & Restaurant (Spain): Barcelona from the roof terrace of the medieval palace and 18th century stone-built mansionThe Yeatman (Portugal): in Porto, imbued with the essence of its wine and local cultureThe Surrey Hotel & Spa (USA): an elegantly restored Beaux-Arts townhouseon Manhattan’sUpper East SideAlgodon Mansion (Argentina): a 1920s mansion with an impressive collection of contemporary art in Buenos Aires, at the heart of its chic district, La RecoletaJE Mansion (China): in the heart of Beijing’s commercial and business district, in a paean to Chinese traditionVilla Samadhi (Malaysia): a haven of peace at the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s urban jungle

Whatever you may be seeking, these 45 Relais & Châteaux properties will amply meet travel and culinary desires of all facets, and will not be at a loss to stimulate new ones… there are still a further 473 properties to discover or re-discover. Follow the Guide.

Condé Nast Johansens, the international luxury travel guide of premium resorts, hotels and spas from the most trusted name in travel, Condé Nast Publications Ltd.,announces the release of its stunning new portfolio of guides including the 2012 Recommended Hotels, Inns, Resorts and Spas – The Americas, Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific. For the 5th year, Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia was selected for inclusion after independent inspection.

The Guides, which are celebrating their 30th year of publication, have attracted a loyal readership throughout Europe and the Americas by guaranteeing that each Recommended property undergoes a rigorous annual inspection process to ensure exceptional quality is maintained. A property is specially selected for its dedication to the highest standards of comfort, unique personality, warmth and service, impressive facilities and surroundings. Only then is it awarded the “Condé Nast Mark of Excellence” wall plaque. This distinctive sign is a visible endorsement for more than 10 million of the world’s most discerning and experienced travelers.

“We do all the research for you”, says Lesley O’Malley-Keyes, Condé Nast Johansens Vice President and Publishing Director for the Americas. “Our inspectors visit all the properties to make sure that each meets the exacting standards of the Guides and in turn the expectations of our 10 million readers. The Guides help you to pick your perfect vacation – whether it’s relaxing on a beach at Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos, enjoying an exquisite romantic getaway at the historic country house hotel Blantyre, in Lenox, Massachusetts, or escaping to a luxury lodge resort like the Wickaninnish Inn in British Columbia, Canada. We make it easy.”
For the first time the collection includes full service private villas combining outstanding facilities with privacy.

A breathtaking photo of Kenoa – Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort in Brazil graces the cover of the 2012 edition, and featured new properties include The Mark in NYC, The Betsy in Miami, Hotel Les Mars in Healdsburg CA and Llao Llao Hotel & Resort in Patagonia.

The Condé Nast Johansens website (www.condenastjohansens.com), a vital part of the Condé Nast Johansens benefits, reflects the varying ways in which the Guides’ users research hotels and destinations. The user friendly website allows visitors to find a hotel by country, state, island, or by special offer such as “spa” or “beach” breaks. The site also sends an availability request directly to the hotels. Other features of the site include a meeting venue finder, spa finder, special offers, and online gift certificate purchasing.

The 2012 Recommended Hotels, Inns, Resorts and Spas – The Americas, Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific – and the entire Condé Nast Johansens international collection of guides will be available from mid-November at select bookstores nationwide and major online bookstores. Consumers can also purchase Condé Nast Johansens Guides by calling the US Toll Free +1 800 564 7518 or via the online bookstore at http://www.condenastjohansens.com.